I was browsing through my old photos from about two to three years ago. Back then, I was really thin—as in, sobrang payat. I couldn’t help but notice something behind those images. I really looked depressed! It’s strange how the eyes can’t lie, no matter how much you try to smile for the camera. Looking at those pictures now, I can see what people have been telling me lately: “You look healthier and happier now.”
Curious, I compared my photos from the past year and a half to those older ones—and you know what? Tama nga sila. I do look happier now. There’s more life in my eyes, more glow in my skin—even if I’ve gained some weight along the way. I even get teased sometimes that I look way better now than I did before the separation. Thank you.
But here’s the thing: I do not want to keep gaining weight. That’s what pushed me to start focusing more on my health and fitness. As if being a thriving, working, single mom wasn’t already a full-time workout in itself—LOL. But I’ve realized that wellness isn’t about looking skinny, it’s about feeling strong, energized, and emotionally balanced.
This blog post is for every mom out there who’s juggling career, motherhood, and a million other things—but still wants to prioritize herself and her health. Because yes, it is possible, and no, you’re not selfish for doing it.
My fitness journey didn’t start because I wanted abs or to fit into smaller clothes. It started when my doctor told me that I needed to exercise to help with my mental health. I was struggling with anxiety, and I needed something—anything—to ground me. Back then, it was all about recovering emotionally, regaining confidence, and giving my mind something else to focus on aside from worry. Those were my original “whys.”
Now, my reasons have evolved. I still exercise for my mental health, but I also move and eat better because I want to live longer—for Anika. I want to spend more years with her, stay away from lifestyle diseases, and feel strong, confident, and mentally clear every day.
And I get it—reading a blog post that’s just about exercise might make you want to scroll away (haha!). So to keep things simple and easy to follow, I’m breaking down what I’ve learned into a list. These are practical, doable tips and facts that helped me—and I hope they help you too.
- Walking 10–15 Minutes After Meals Helps with Weight Control
Did you know that a short walk after meals can help manage weight by boosting digestion and preventing fat storage? I didn’t either! I used to think moving after eating would give me appendicitis (LOL). Turns out, it’s actually one of the simplest ways to support metabolism and lower blood sugar spikes.
2. Walking > HIIT for Moms
Regular walking (aim for 8,000–10,000 steps a day) can be more beneficial than high-intensity workouts for women in their 30s and 40s. Why? Because intense workouts spike cortisol, the stress hormone—which can backfire if you’re already juggling career, kids, and emotional load. Too much cortisol results to stubborn belly fat, burnout, and hormonal imbalance.
3. Weight Lifting is Essential. Nope, you won’t end up looking like a bodybuilder. That takes extreme effort, diet, and specific training. But without weight lifting, you will lose muscle mass over time—and that’s something we want to avoid.
4. Why Losing Muscle Mass is a Big Deal
If you don’t maintain or build muscle, you’re more likely to experience:
– Loss of strength and function (How will we carry grandkids or travel in our 60s if we’re too weak?)
– Easier weight gain (even if you eat the same)
– More visceral fat (bad fat stored around organs)
– Weaker bones (increased risk of osteoporosis)
– Higher risk of injury and poor balance
5. Benefits of Weight Lifting for Women 30–50+
Strength training helps:
– Keep your metabolism fast and efficient
– Balance hormones (estrogen, progesterone, cortisol)
– Ease symptoms of PMS, perimenopause, and menopause
– Prevent age-related weight gain
Honestly, if this last one isn’t enough to convince you, I don’t know what is! Lol!
6. You Can Start Exercising at Home, No Equipment Needed (muna)
There are countless beginner strength workouts on YouTube that require no equipment. You don’t need a gym or fancy machines. Just a mat, your body, and 20–30 minutes.
7. Some wellness tips you can add to your new fitness routine:
– Deep breathing or short meditation upon waking (I do this daily)
– Drink 300 to 500 mL of water first thing in the morning
– Prep ahead healthy snacks that you can bring with you to avoid junk cravings (I bring with me apples, yogurt, low sugar high protein bars, nuts)
– Praying after waking up (quiet time) and reading the Bible before bed
8. I bought a walking pad (it’s like a compact threadmill) from Shopee (click here for the link).
It sells for Php 3,000 to Php 5,000. After dinner, while watching my favorite TV show at home, I walk on it. It’s an easy 30 minute walk. Minsan naglalakad ako while nakikipagkwentuhan kay Anika. This is one of the most sulit finds I bought. By the way, walking for 30 minutes is equivalent to around 3,000 to 4,000 steps! FYI =D
9. I reframed exercising as non-negotiable.
Walking was something I had to do at least 30 minutes everyday. I have to lift weights 3x a week. I have to play tennis once a week. These aren’t “optional” anymore. They’re part of how I take care of myself. Full stop.
10. I have been doing 16:8 intermittent fasting for 6 weeks now. It was hard the first weeks but I am now used to it. If IF feels too intimidating, just try cutting out sweets or switching to water only for your drinks. That alone will help you drop weight and stabilize blood sugar.
11. Start with progress in mind, not perfection.
Forget the weighing scale (for now). Focus on moving your body and eating better. Your weight will follow once your habits improve.
12. When you feel unmotivated or tired, just exercise.
Sometimes, you’ll feel tired or uninspired. Do it anyway. “F*ck your feelings,” as they say. Discipline gets you results—motivation comes and goes.
13. Buy cute exercise clothes.
Trust me, it helps. And no, they don’t have to be expensive. I got great sports bras, leggings, and tops on Shopee.
14. Sleep for 7 to 8 hours.
You could be eating healthy and exercising daily, but if you’re not getting 7–8 hours of sleep, you might still struggle with weight loss—especially that stubborn mom pouch.
Being a mom means your time is stretched thin, but your health deserves space too. You’re not selfish for prioritizing yourself. After all, the better we take care of ourselves, the more we can show up fully for our kids, our work, and our future.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Just start where you are, use what you have, and take one step at a time. High five!